She was, to all her family and friends, the "bravest, courageous, beautiful girly that we have ever had the privilege to love".

But even though the cancer that six-year-old Arabella Scannell fought so hard to beat has finally claimed her life, her parents say she died showing all the bravery and inspiration that characterised her life.

The youngster became a source of inspiration to many across her home town of Ipswich for the way she battled the rare and aggressive Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) for more than a year, undergoing two gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

As her family struggled to cope, it was Arabella who rallied them to stay positive throughout - telling them: "I don't want you to cry. I don't want us to be down."

It seemed as though her courage and positive spirit had beaten the illness against all odds, with Arabella returning to St Jospeh's College in Ipswich earlier this year.

Tributes have been paid to Arabella Scannell, who has lost her battle with cancer. Arabella pictured shortly after she was born Picture: SCANNELL FAMILY

Mother Ellie Scannell said that Arabella "loved every moment with her family and friends over the summer", adding: "She made the most of making every possible day an adventure, and this filled her with excitement."

Tributes have been paid to Arabella Scannell, who has lost her battle with cancer Picture: SCANNELL FAMILY

Mrs Scannell said: "Obviously Arabella was full of life up until the last week of her life.

"Sadly the leukaemia took hold and once her siblings returned to school, Arabella unfortunately wasn't strong enough took to her bed and this is where she remained until her passing.

"Arabella took her last breaths at home with her family just as she had wanted."

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Mrs Scannell added that her "beautiful daughter" was "supported throughout by the wonderful oncology team at Ipswich Hospital".

On a Facebook page set up by Arabella's family to keep friends updated on her progress, Mrs Scannell added: "Our princess Arabella, you have been the most bravest, courageous, beautiful girly that we have ever had the privilege to love.

"From the moment you were born you have brought love, happiness and laughter into our lives.

"We now have to say our goodbyes but will always remember your happy smiley face, thirst for life and your kind caring soul.

Arabella Scannell was a keen dancer. Picture: SCANNELL FAMILY

"We will always love you and we are so proud of you.

"Always and forever our bubsy."

Arabella's Facebook page has also seen an outpouring of emotional tributes from those who knew her.

One said: "Heartbroken for you all. Your strength and courage are an inspiration."